Ohio Woman Indicted for Theft of Social Security Funds

A grand jury returned a five-count indictment charging Danette M. Stevenson, 37, with two counts of theft of government property and three counts of making false statements, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The indictment alleges that Stevenson stole and converted to her own use, approximately $38,130.63 in Social Security payments made to her that she was not entitled to receive.

The indictment further alleges that Stevenson stole and converted to her own use approximately $14,156.00 in Housing Choice Voucher Program (commonly referred to as Section 8) benefits that she was not entitled to receive.

The indictment further alleges that Stevenson made false statements in connection with applications for Social Security and Housing benefits.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Tripi and Trial Attorney Richard T. Hamilton, Jr., following investigation by agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.